Effects of scar massage on burn scars: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the physical and psychological effects of scar massage on burn patients, focusing on pain, scar thickness, pruritus, anxiety, and depression.
Results Summary
Scar massage significantly reduced pain, improved scar thickness, decreased pruritus, and lowered anxiety, but had no significant effect on depression. The meta-analysis supports its feasibility and effectiveness for burn patients.
Population
Burn patients with hypertrophic scars.
Effective Dosage
5-30 minutes per session, 1-3 times per week.
Duration
12 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
scar massage | decrease | pain levels | burn patients | standardised mean difference [SMD]: -2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.96 to -0.83 | decreased | #1 |
scar massage | decrease | scar thickness | burn patients | mean difference: -0.05; 95% CI: -0.1 to -0.0 | improved | #2 |
scar massage | decrease | pruritus | burn patients | SMD: -1.89; 95% CI: -2.95 to -0.82 | reduced | #3 |
scar massage | decrease | anxiety | burn patients | SMD: -1.52; 95% CI: -2.73 to -0.32 | reduced | #4 |
scar massage | no change | depression | burn patients | SMD: -0.92; 95% CI:-2.28 to 0.44 | no significant effect | #5 |
scar massage | decrease | scar formation | burn patients | - | significantly improved | #6 |
scar massage | decrease | pruritus | burn patients | - | reduced | #7 |
scar massage | decrease | anxiety | burn patients | - | reduced | #8 |
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study explored the physical and psychological effects of scar massage on burn patients. BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic scar development is highly prevalent following burn injuries. Scar massage may have physical and psychological effects, although evidence of its effectiveness for burn scar improvement remains inconsistent. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental trials. METHODS: This study was conducted following the Centre of Reviews and Dissemination guidelines and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, EMBASE, and Chinese Electronic Periodical Services were searched for studies published between January 1990 and February 2022. Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Appraisal Checklist. The final recommendation strength was assessed according to the JBI recommendation rating. A meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager Version 5.4 software with a random-effect model. RESULTS: Seven studies (420 participants) investigating scar massage for burn patients were included. The scar massage sessions lasted 5-30 min and were delivered by massage therapists 1-3 times a week for 12 weeks. Overall, scar massage decreased pain levels (standardised mean difference [SMD]: -2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.96 to -0.83), improved scar thickness (mean difference: -0.05; 95% CI: -0.1 to -0.0), reduced pruritus (SMD: -1.89; 95% CI: -2.95 to -0.82) and reduced anxiety (SMD: -1.52; 95% CI: -2.73 to -0.32), but no significant effect on depression(SMD: -0.92; 95% CI:-2.28 to 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: The meta-effects of scar massage among burn patients are significantly improved scar formation and reduced pruritus and anxiety. Providing scar massage is feasible and effective for burn patients. Future research should evaluate its long-term effects. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Scar massage is relatively convenient and effective in preventing and alleviating hypertrophic burn scarring. Further research can provide detailed suggestions for effective scar massage implementation.